Job Discussion Forums

[clock]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone could fill me in on the likely cost of living per month in Riyadh (I don't have dependants). Is accommodation usually provided?

[Cleopatra]

It's very hard to give a flat answer to this type of question, because there are so many factors. Do you want to get a car? Do you expect to have an active social life? Will you eat the reasonably priced local or Asian produce in the supermarkets, or do you require overpriced US pap from Tamimi? Will you want satellite TV and internet?

If one is to generalise, one can say that KSA is considerably cheaper than almost anywhere in Western Europe, though everyone I know says prices have increased quite a bit since the summer. For tips on how to 'live' life to the minimum, do a search for threads with the words "500 Club".

[scot47]

I know people who live (??) on 10 Riyals a day or 300 a month (=US$80). I know people who spend 5000 riyals a month.

Somewhere in between - that is the way to go.

The employer either provides housing or gives you a housing allowance.

[007]

[ghost]

The Gulf Arab region still provides the best savings for teachers in the world. In Korea I make $2800 without overtime, free housing and save an average of $1500 u.s. per month. Most other teachers in Korea on typical 2 million won salaries (just over $2000 u.s.) save about 1 million won per month (just over $1000 u.s.).

In Japan, where quality of life and general amenities are more jolly compared with Korea - teachers usually save about $400-$600 per month, on their typical 250,000-280,000 yen salaries ($2155-$2400) - in Japan housing is not free - teachers usually have to pay for housing, which runs from 70,000-100,000 yen or more per month ($600-$850/month).

You are paid less in Japan, and housing is not free, and cost of living is higher, but most teachers prefer Japan hands down, compared with Korea! In my case, Japan is a difficult choice as I am well over 35 years, and age discrimination is a factor in Japan, although not really publicized. With the recent collapse of the 'Nova' chain schools in Japan, where huge numbers of schools have closed, some of those teacher refugees might look to the Gulf countries for employment possibilities.

I am hoping for a post in Saudi, sometime in 2008.

Ghost in Korea

[007]

[ghost]

[bigbadsuzie]

where HAS Ghost been happy?

[Deicide]

[Deicide]

[ghost]

[Bebsi]

Assuming accommodation is provided, or an adequate accom allowance, typically it would cost between 4 and 5k SAR a month to live OK.

That's 2k for a car (assuming renting or leasing) and the rest for food (cheap and good, if you avoid western fast-food)), clothing, utilities (low compared to the west), mobile phone, satellite TV and internet (ADSL).

[personae gratae]

Bengali cleaners earn about 350 Sr a month!(that's when their employer "kindly" accepts to pay them on time...)
...

[GabeKessel]

I have found that SAR 3000 a month is a reasonable sum to live on. On some days one spends SAR20 and one some, SAR 180, but, generally, a SAR 100 per day will afford you a good lifestyle,

[scot47]

There are those who live on 300 or 500 riyals a month. It can be done. I do not recommend it. For a single teacher I would say 2000 riyals a month could do it. 3000 riyals is better.

Inflation is now kicking in after many years of price stability.